Richmond to host Point Molate Beach grand opening on Saturday

RICHMOND -- A splashy grand opening party at the only stretch of beach run by the city's parks department is scheduled for Saturday.

Point Molate Beach reopened to the public in October after being closed because of budget cuts more than a decade ago.

The reopening occurred after months of planning, cleanup by volunteers and about $115,000 in improvements funded by a portion of the settlement from a 2007 oil tanker spill off Richmond's shore.

Saturday's grand opening event welcomes spring and summer, which organizers hope will help lure Bay Area residents and tourists to the relatively secluded beach.

The official ribbon cutting by Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin is set for 11:30 a.m., and live music starts at 12:30 p.m.

Activities will include egg coloring, docent-led talks and nature walks, and a tug-of-war battle between the Richmond police and fire departments. There also will be various exhibits and an "Idea Tent," where residents can assist in planning the future of the beach. The event is free.

Point Molate is located north of Interstate 580 and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, on Western Drive, which can be accessed via westbound I-580's last exit before the bridge.

There also will be a free shuttle from Richmond City Hall at 450 Civic Center Plaza, running on the half-hour from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with the last shuttle returning at 2 p.m.